LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow High School boys tennis team coach Patrick Magowan brought the team to the courts Thursday for only the second day of outdoor practice, despite the fact that April is only just over a week away.

On the first day of spring 2014, snow, ice and standing water lined the edges of the few courts dry enough for practice under partly cloudy skies and still chilly temperatures. Just a week ago, people were just beginning to clear icy snow from all of the courts.

The long, cold winter is nearly at an end. Athletes of all the outdoor sports are venturing out, and soon enough tennis players and fans will be looking for shade.